I've been training in Shotokan karate for five years. I've been vegetarian for all my adult life, but vegan for three years. Changing from vegetarian to vegan didn't effect my martial arts stamina or ability at all. Over the past year I've focussed on building muscle and that really has made a difference to my karate. My stamina is improving and my stances are cleaner and more stable all across the board. I also hit harder, of course! Focussing on total body muscle gain has also rid me of a few soreness/pain issues in my joints and lower back. The muscle gain has really stabilised my joints, so I'm hoping that will protect them from the typical martial arts wear and tear we all see down the years from bad form and too much repetition.

When it comes to food, I eat the same diet on karate days as other days, but I'm ravenous after training, so I usually try to plan a healthy snack for when I get home, otherwise I'm just tempted to grab convenience food.